Stick welding, also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), is a common welding process that uses a consumable electrode coated in flux. When the electrode is heated by an electric arc, it melts and creates a weld pool, while the flux produces a shielding gas to protect the weld from contamination. This method is versatile and can be used on various metals, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Stick welding is often favored for its simplicity and portability, as it requires minimal equipment compared to other welding techniques.